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3 months ago
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West Ham United are lining up Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka as new manager Julen Lopetegui looks to strengthen his options at right-back ahead of the new campaign.
The 26-year-old has made 190 appearances for the Red Devils but the side are reportedly open to selling the full-back to free up funds for a summer spending spree.
Vladimir Coufal was first choice at the London Stadium last season but Lopetegui is setting his sights on a revamped Hammers defence, having brought in Wolves' Max Kilman for £40million this month.
The boosted interest comes after a £13.5million deal fell through for Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui following disagreements on the 'agent's side', leaving Man United to swoop in at the last minute.
But any deal for the Bundesliga star would reportedly rely on raising funds through selling Wan-Bissaka with United now lowering their demands to between £10million and £15million.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka pictured in April playing against Liverpool. West Ham have reportedly set their sights on the right-back
Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui pictured during a match against Freiburg in October. West Ham's deal for the Moroccan international fell through yesterday
The English right-back (pictured, in training on July 17) is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford
No agreement is in place yet between West Ham and their Premier League rivals but talks are expected to commence over the weekend, Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg reports.
The English right-back is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and has been linked with Galatasaray over the last few weeks.
West Ham have made three major signings so far in this transfer window.
Exciting youngster Luis Guilherme joined the club from Palmeiras, while goalkeeper Wes Foderingham arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Sheffield United.
But yesterday the east London outfit 'dropped out of the race' to sign Mazraoui despite a deal between the clubs already being in place.
The news broke on Thursday that the Hammers had agreed a £13.5m fee with Bayern plus £3m in add-ons.
However, the deal fell apart as the two sides were unable to agree on terms.
This has left the door open for United to push for the Moroccan international as they continue a summer overhaul which has seen Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee come through the door in recent weeks.
Erik ten Hag, who coached Mazraoui at Ajax between 2018 and 2022, has singled out the Bundesliga star as a top target.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui pictured last Saturday. West Ham have made three major signings so far in this transfer window
Erik ten Hag (pictured, on Monday) worked with Mazraoui at Ajax in two title-winning seasons
Exciting youngster Luis Guilherme (pictured, in training last Saturday) joined West Ham from Palmeiras
The Dutch manager is said to be holding out hope that the full-back can help kickstart Antony's United career on the team's right-hand side, after aiding the Brazilian winger on the flank during two title winning-campaigns in the Netherlands.
The 54-year-old still believes the wide man can turn his form around and justify his £82million price tag, the Guardian reports.
Mazraoui has made 38 appearances for the German giants since his 2022 move, while having 28 run-outs for his national side.
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